RECENT CHANGES IN THE VISA PROCESS
By Haesung Han
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A “visa” is the “travel document” that one receives from a U.S. Consulate outside the United States. Since September 11, 2001, there have been changes to the visa process. Here are a few noteworthy ones:

• All males between the ages of 16 and 45 are now required to complete and submit an additional form to the U.S. Consulates where they apply for the visas—the DS-157. It requests information, for example, about the applicant’s military training.
  
  
• All students and exchange visitors must complete a supplemental application form and be enrolled in SEVIS by their sponsoring institutions.
  
  
• Almost all persons are required to have a face-to-face interview with a consular officer.
  
  
• When applying for a visa, you must bring an original photograph that is 5 cm by 5 cm, taken with the last six months, with a clear front view of the full face. Remember to write your name on the back.
  
  
• The United States and many other countries are now implementing machine-readable visas, passports, and other entry-exit documents that contain digital photographs and biometric indicators, such as fingerprints. A machine-readable passport is required to enter the United States without a visa if you are a citizen of one of the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. Without a machine-readable passport, you will not be granted entry into the United States.
  

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